Robin Hood arrives in eighteenth century America in the musical, “The Robber Bridegroom”.
In Ms. Megan Kern’s spring musical at Ridge High School, a likeable rogue (played by AJ D’Ambrosio) courts a wealthy man’s daughter (played by Alex Ursino). The hopeful “robber bridegroom” must evade the scheming designs of a not-so-quintessential stepmother as well as the fearful yet humorous henchmen that she employs in his quest for love. This comedy and American folktale is written by Alfred Uhry and Robert Waldman, and is based on a novella by Eudora Weltya.
Ms. Kern, the theater teacher and director, described the musical enthusiastically, saying, “I love this musical. I’ve known it since I was a kid.” She went on to emphasize the fact that “The Robber Bridegroom” employs a myriad of students in ensemble, a collective of singers and dancers on stage. The 2014 musical allows a wide range of students of all grades to perform, front and center.
Ms. Kern also guaranteed that the play would be full of laughs, ranging from the comedy of a thug and his brother’s head to a character simply named “Goat.” The Drama Club at Ridge is hard at work on 2014’s musical, already a good quarter of the way into rehearsal of both songs and dances.
“Rehearsals are going really well and I think the musical is going to be hilarious!” comments cast member Rachel Keough 16’. She went on to say that while at “first glance, you might question why this show ever existed, but when you start to understand the plot, it’s actually kind of cool and I’m excited!” Indeed, the cast and crew’s dedication will shine through on opening night.
The musical’s first performance is on Friday, February 28, at 7:00 PM. It will also be playing on Saturday, March 1, at 1:00 PM, in a matinee performance, and at 7:00 PM on the same day. Tickets will be sold at online at www.ridgepac.com and at the door.